National Spatial Data Infrastructure Cooperative Agreements Program
Project support implementation of different aspects of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure such as: implementation of metadata standards through training and outreach assistance; implementation of framework standards; strategic and business plan development in support of the NSDI Future Directions Fifty States Initiative; collaboration between organizations in the U.S.
and Canada to maintain and share geospatial data over a common geography; and assisting organizations and consortia to develop and provide access to geospatial information that serves community needs.
See the FGDC website (http://www.fgdc.gov) for summaries of funded projects.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2006, 25 cooperative agreements, were awarded to support the NSDI. 29 agreements were awarded in fiscal year 2007. 24 agreements were awarded in fiscal year 2008. For more information see http://www.fgdc.gov/grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Specific objectives are identified in the annual program announcement.
Applications for projects not covered by one of the objectives are not solicited.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Proposals from State and local government agencies, educational institutions, private firms, private foundations, nonprofit organizations and Federally acknowledged or state-recognized Native American tribes or groups are invited.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Agencies and organizations participating in the project, as well as the general public will ultimately benefit from this program.
Credentials/Documentation
Proposals must furnish evidence of the applicant's qualifications for performance of the proposed project.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Limited discussions regarding funding availability and program interest are permitted.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Application form SF 424, 424-A, 424-B, and Department of the Interior Certifications and Representations must be used.
Award Procedures
Notification of an award is by a cooperative agreement document signed by a contracting officer.
Deadlines
December 16, 2008 for FY 2009 proposals.
Authorization
Organic Act of March 3, 1879, 43 U.S.C. 31; Executive Order 12906, April 13, 1994.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 1 to 2 months.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
There is no statutory formula, however, the recipients are expected to cost-share depending upon the category of project up to 100 percent of the amount of funding received from the Federal government. For the FY 2008 the matching requirements were as follows: Category 1-50%, Category 2-50%, Category 3-50%, Category 4-100%, Category 5-100%, and Category 6-50%.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Cooperative agreements will normally be awarded in 12-month budget periods.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Semi-annual and final technical report, formal oral presentation, and second and third year follow-up reports.
Audits
Applicants agree to give the sponsoring agency, the Comptroller General or other authorized audit agency access to and the right to examine records related to the award. For profit organizations, principles for determining the allowableness of cost will be in accordance with the FAR, subchapter E, part 31.2. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations", nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 or more in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
All records must be maintained for 3 years after submission of the final financial report.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-0804-0-1-300.
Obigations
(Cooperative Agreements) FY 07 $1,318,636; FY 08 $1,164,220; and FY 09 est $1,300,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$25,000 to $100,000; average $48,500.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Federal Register Vol. 60, No. 242, December 18, 1995, page 65064; Commerce Business Daily announcement January 25, 1996, Section T, program Announcement No. 8187; internet URL http://www.fgdc.gov/funding/cap2002.html.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Brigitta Urban-Mathieux, FGDC CAP Coordinator; Telephone: (703) 648-5175, Fax: (703) 648-5755, burbanma@fgdc.gov.
Headquarters Office
Geological Survey, National Center, Federal Geographic Data Committee Secretariat, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Mail Stop 590, Reston, VA 20192. Telephone: (703)648-4150, Fax: (703)648-5755, or E-mail: gdc@usgs.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposals will be evaluated through formal review panels. Proposals will be evaluated on the quality and relevance of the project to the NSDI; the technical approach taken to implement the project; the level and diversity of participation and the applicant's experience and competence to perform the proposed effort successfully; and the extent to which the applicant shows evidence of a capability and willingness to continue and build upon the project when the agreement period ends.
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